404) Exotic Birds: A set of six Commemorative stamps issued by the Department of Posts, India on 05.12.2016:

404) Exotic Birds: A set of six Commemorative stamps issued by the Department of Posts, India on 05.12.2016:

About Parrots:

Parrots are one of the most popular birds and are admired by everyone. Parrots appear extensively in popular folk and other literary traditions and are a favourite among poets, bards and singers and even in painting and find a frequent illustration in art like Madhubani paintings. They have been associated with the portrayal of beauty and romance.

Parrots belong to a broader order of more than 350 bird species – Macaws, Amazons, Lorikeets, Lovebirds, Cockatoos etc. are all classified as parrots.

Though there is great diversity among these birds, there are similarities as well. All parrots have curved beaks and all are zygodactyls (meaning “having four toes” on each foot, two pointing forward and two projecting backward. Most parrots eat fruit, flowers, buds, nuts, seeds and some small creatures like insects. Parrots are found in warm climates all over the world. The greatest diversities exist in Australasia, Central America and South America.

Many parrots are kept as pets, especially Macaws, Amazon parrots, Cockatiels, Parakeets and Cockatoos. These birds have been popular companions throughout history because they are considered charismatic, colourful and musical. Some birds can easily imitate many non-avian sounds, including human speech.

Even in Western Literature they have left lasting imprints on the minds of readers. For example in “Treasure Island” a parrot portrayed as a companion to Long John Silver, a one-legged pirate, has been immortalised by his famous screeches of “Pieces of Eight” (The Spanish gold coins/pieces).

The Department of Posts, India has released a set of six stamps on the following six Exotic Birds:

(i)Blue-throated Macaw (Ara glaucogularis):

 A 500 paise or Rs.5/- stamp issued on the Exotic Bird - Blue-Throated Macaw

The Blue-throated Macaw also known as Caninde Macaw is a species endemic to a small area of North-Central Bolivia, known as Los Llanos de Moxos. Blue-throated Macaws live in the Savannah forests and is one of the rarest parrots in the World.

Recent population surveys for this species estimates that about 350 – 400 individuals remain in the wild.

It is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN)’s Red List as Critically Endangered. It is also listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), an International Treaty that controls International Trade.

The Blue-throated Macaws have largely bright yellow under-parts with pale blue vent. Upper-parts are turquoise-blue, slightly duller on crown and brighter on rump. They have a bare facial patch obscured by blue feather-lines merging into blue lower cheek and throat, separated from the crown by a narrow yellow stripe and bare pink skin around the base of the large, black bill. On the face, there is a sparsely leathered patch of skin near the base of the large-dark-coloured bill that has five or six horizontal stripes of blue feathers which are unique for every Blue-throated Macaw and can be used to individually identify adults.

This species can be differentiated from the slightly larger Blue and Yellow Macaw by their blue throat – the blue Crown and the lack of contrast between the remiges and upper-wing coverts.

(ii)Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustus):

 A 500 paise or Rs.5/- stamp issued on the Exotic Bird - Cape Parrot

The Cape Parrot (also known as Levaillant’s Parrot) is a large, temperate forest dwelling Parrot endemic to South Africa. It is a short-tailed moderately large bird with a very large beak, which is used to crack open all sorts of hard nuts and fruit kernels.

There is no uniform view on the classification of this species due to the existence of their geographically separated but closely related forms that differ in habitat, size and plumage. The overall dominant view of the Ornithological community considers them as two separate species, with the temperate forest dwelling Cape Parrot being distinct from the Savannah species in which is also included the brown necked Parrot of West Africa and the grey headed Parrot of Eastern and Southern Africa. Nevertheless, the Birdlife International taxonomic check-list considers all three forms as the sub-species of a single species – Poicephalus robustus.

The Cape Parrot occurs only in South Africa and is closely associated with yellowwood forests. The Yellowwood trees are important to them for breeding, feeding and social inter-action. The species is a secondary cavity nests preferring one, nesting mostly in tall dead Yellowwood trees.

While the ultimate threat to this species is habitat loss through the degradation and reduction in Afro-montane Southern Mistbelt Forest, the more recent but significant threats are – i) infection and mortality caused by Psittacine beak and feather disease and ii) local poaching and trade.

(iii) Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus):

 A 1000 paise or Rs.10/- stamp issued on the Exotic Bird - Hyacinth Macaw

Hyacinth Macaw or Hyacinthine Macaw is a parrot native to Central and Eastern South America. With a length of about 100 cm, it is longer than any other species of parrot. It is the largest Macaw and the largest flying parrot species.

Also known as gentle giants, Hyacinths are considered to be very affectionate birds by nature. Its feathers are entirely blue, lighter above with a long and pointed tail. This species can be confused with the far rarer and smaller Lear’s Macaw.

Hyacinth Macaws prefer palm swamps, woodlands and other semi-open, wooded habitats. They usually avoid dense, humid forests and are generally restricted to the edge or relatively open forests. In different areas of their range, these parrots are found in Savannah grasslands, in dry thorn forests known as caatinga and in palm strands. They are seen flying in pairs and feed on the hard nuts of several varieties of palm nuts. These nuts are often extremely hard and difficult to break open but are easily crushed by their powerful beaks.

Nesting takes place between July and December, when the nests are assembled in tree cavities or cliff faces depending on the habitat.

Habitat loss and trapping of birds in the wild for pet trade has taken a heavy toll on their wild population. The unique personality and beauty of this species has made it one of the most sought after – and also one of the most abused of all parrots.

To provide full protection, it is classified as “Vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List and its global trade is controlled by listing it on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

(iv)Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Catatua sulphurea sulphurea):

 A 1500 paise or Rs.15/- stamp issued on the Exotic Bird - Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is also known as the Yellow-crested Cockatoo. It is found in wooded and cultivated areas of East Timor and Indonesia’s Islands of Sulawesi and the Lesser Sundas.

The Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is a critically endangered species. Its numbers have declined drastically due to illegal trapping for the cage-bird trade. They are listed on Appendix I on CITES.

It is a medium-sized Cockatoo with white plumage, bluish-white bare orbital skin, grey feet, black bill and a retractile yellow or orange crest. The Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo nests in tree cavities. Their wild population is declining due to habitat destruction and trade.

There are 6 sub-species of the Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. The most well known sub-species is a Citron crested Cockatoo. This sub-species has an orange coloured crest, instead of a yellow one. It is found only on the islands of Sunda. Other species are found on the islands of Indonesia.

Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo can be easily confused with the larger and more commonly found Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, which has a more Easterly distribution and can be distinguished by the size and presence of a large yellow ear patch in the Lesser-crested Cockatoo.

(v) Sun Conure (Aratinga solstitialis):

 A 1000 paise or Rs.10/- stamp issued on the Exotic Bird - Sun Conure
Sun Conure, also known as “Sun Parakeet” is a medium-sized, brightly coloured Parrot, native to North-eastern South America. The adult male and female are similar in appearance, with predominantly golden-yellow plumage and orange-flushed under-parts and face. Sun Conures are very social birds, typically living in flocks. They form monogamous pairs and nest in palm tree cavities. This species is currently threatened by loss of habitat and trapping for the pet trade and listed as endangered by the IUCN. Sun Conures are popular as pets because of their bright colouration and curious nature. They are commonly bred in avi-culture and can live upto 30 years.

Sun Conures are mostly found in tropical habitats occurring within dry Savannah woodlands and coastal forests in altitudes less than 1,200 metres, on edge of humid forests growing in foothills. Like other members of the genus Aratinga, the Sun Conure is very social and typically occurs in large flocks of 20 to 30 individuals.

Sun Conures have a rich yellow crown, nape, mantle, lesser wing-coverts, tips of the greater wing-coverts, chest and under-wing coverts. The face and belly are orange with red around the ears. The base of the greater wing-coverts, tertials and base of the primaries are green, while the secondaries, tips of the primaries and most of the primary coverts are dark blue. The tail is olive-green with a blue tip. From below, all the flight feathers are dark greyish. The bill is black. Juvenile Sun Parakeets display a predominantly green plumage and resemble similar-aged sulphur-breasted parakeets. The distinctive yellow, orange and reddish colouration on the back, abdomen and the head is attained with maturity.

(vi) Yellow-headed Amazon (Amazona oratrix) or the Magnum Amazon:

 A 1500 paise or Rs.15/- stamp issued on the Exotic Bird - Magnum Amazon

 The Yellow-headed Amazon is an endangered parrot of Mexico and Northern Central America. It prefers to live in mangrove forests or riparian forests near rivers or other water bodies.

This species is famed for its ability to mimic, both in speech and “song” making it an excellent “talker”. For centuries, they have been coveted as highly desirable pets world-wide.

The popularity of these parrots as a pet continues to encourage trade and trapping of birds in the wild, which have nearly driven this species to extinction in the wild. Their population has declined from 70,000 to about 7,000 in the past two decades alone.

The Yellow-headed Amazon is a stocky short-tailed green parrot with a yellow head. The immature birds attain full adult head colour in 5 or more years. As in other Amazon parrots, this parrot has rounded wings and a square tail with a robust built body. The body is bright green, with yellow on the head, red at the bend of the wing and yellow thighs. The flight feathers are blackish to bluish violet with a red patch on the outer secondaries. The base of the tail also has a red patch, which is usually hidden. The outer tail feathers have yellowish tips. The yellow headed Amazon is considered as endangered by IUCN and is on the CITES Appendix I.

The Cover of the Stamp album titled “Videshi Pakshi” (in Hindi) and “Exotic Birds” (in English)

A sheetlet of 5 stamps each on the Blue-throated Macaw (500 paise or Rs.5/- each), Sun Conure (1000 paise or Rs.10/- each) and the Magnum Amazon (1500 paise or Rs.15/- each) making a total of 5 x 3 = 15 stamps

A sheetlet of 5 stamps each on the Cape Parrot (500 Paise or Rs.5/- each), Hyacinth Macaw (1000 paise or Rs.10/- each and the Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (1500 paise or Rs.15/-) making a total of 5 x 3 = 15 stamps

One of the two miniature sheets contained in the album shows stamps on Blue-throated Macaw (500 paise or Rs.5/-), Sun Conure (1000 paise or Rs.10/-) and the Magnum Amazon (1500 paise or Rs.15/-)

The other one of the two miniature sheets contained in the album shows stamps on Cape Parrot (500 paise or Rs.5/-), Hyacinth Macaw (1000 paise or Rs.10/-) and the Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (1500 paise or Rs.15/-)

The First Day Cover (FDC) issued on the occasion of release of the stamps. It shows on the top left, birds in flight, fluttering their wings, a picture of the six varieties of “Videshi Pakshi” (in Hindi) and “Exotic Birds” (in English) which have figured in this stamp issue on the lower left side. The six stamps each depict the six birds included in this issue. The Cancellation Hand-stamps are inscribed “Videshi Pakshi” (in Hindi) and “Exotic Birds” (in English) and show two exotic birds in its centre. The Cancellation is of New Delhi GPO and is dated “05.12.2016”

The Information Brochure issued on the occasion of release of these stamps on Exotic Birds

                               The Back Cover of the Stamp Album

Technical Data:

Issuer: Department of Posts, India or India Post

Denomination: 55 paise or Rs.5/- (2 stamps), 1000 paise or Rs.10/- (2 stamps), 1500 paise or Rs.15/- (2 stamps)

No. of Stamps printed: 0.2 million or 2,00,000

Miniature Sheets printed: 0.1 million or 1,00,000

Sheetlets Printed: 30,000 (2 types)

Printing process: Wet Offset

Printer: Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Links to posts on Indian Post-Cards:

1) Historical First Day Covers on Post Cards compiled by Karnataka Postal Circle on Post Independence India

2) For Part I of the DYKS (32) "Birds of the Himalayas", please click on the following link: ("Birds of the Himalayas" (Part I) - Description of 16 birds with picture postcards)

3) For Part II of DYKS (32): "Birds of the Himalayas", please click on the following link: ("Birds of the Himalayas" Description of 16 Birds with picture postcards)

4) For Part III of DYKS (32): "Birds of the Himalayas" please click on the following link: ("Birds of the Himalayas" Description of 16 Birds with picture postcards)

5) Two Series of Postage Stamps issued during the reign of George V: Inauguration of New Delhi in 1931 and Silver Jubilee of the reign of George V in 1935 compiled by Karnataka Postal Circle   

6) Aero India 2015: Asia's Premier Air Show: A set of 10 Post cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post in 2015. 

7) Himalayan Lakes: Chanratal, Roop Kund, Sela, Tsangu and Tsomo Riri: A set of five post cards issued by India Post in 2015 

8)  Incredible India: (Part I) A set of 48 Post Cards issued by India Post in 2015
9) Incredible India: (Part II) A set of 48 Post cards issued by India Post in 2015
10)   Incredible India: (Part III): A set of 48 Post cards issued by India Post in 2015
 11) Olympic Events: A set of 12 Post cards issued by the Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post on 11.07.2016  

12) "Orchids": A set of 12 postcards issued by the Karnataka Postal Cicle of India Post, with designs inspired by 6 Stamps on Orchids issued by India Post on 21.10.1991 and 6 Stamps issued on 08.08.2016 

13) Legendary Women (of India): A set of 10 Post-cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

14) Sundarban (Part I): A set of 48 Post Cards brought out by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

15) Sundarban (Part II): A set of 48 Post cards brought out by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

16) Sundarban (Part III): A set of 48 Post Cards brought out by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

17) Football Legendaries: A set of 18 Postcards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

18) Wild India - Mammals: Part I): A set of 48 Post Cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

19) Wild India - Mammals (Part II): A set of 48 Post Cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

20) Wild India - Mammals Part III): A set of 48 Post Cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

21) Butterflies of India (Part I): A set of 48 Post Cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2016 

22) Butterflies of India (Part II): A set of 48 Post Cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2016 

23) Butterflies of India (Part III): A set of 48 Post Cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2016 

24) Beetles: A set of five stylised Post Cards issued by the Chennai Postal Circle of India Post
  
Maximum or Maxim Cards: 

1) Did You Know series (33): 1) Maxim or Maximum Cards 2) A set of 5 Maximum Cards issued by the Department of Posts, India to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Establishment of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad 

2) Orchids: A set of six Maxim or Maximum Cards issued by the Karnatala Postal Circle, India Post on 08.08.2016

3) Exotic Birds: A set of six Maxim Cards issued by India Post on 05.12.2016 

4) Nature: India: A set of six Maxim Cards issued by India Post on 25.01.2017 

5) Headgears of India: A set of 16 Maxim Cards issued by Chennai Postal Circle of India Post on 10.02.2017 

"My Stamps" Albums:

1) "Ajanta & Ellora Caves": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Sumita and Rajeev

 2) "Ghats of Varanasi": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Sumita

3) "Sun Temple, Konark": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev 

4) "Fairy Queen": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev 

5) "Mahabodhi Temple": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev 
  
 6) "Port Blair Island": "My Stamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev

 Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2017:

1) Splendour of India: Happy New Year: A set of 12 Stamps issued by India Post on 01.01.2017

2) 350th Prakash Utsav: Guru Gobind Singh Ji: A commemorative Stamp of Rs.10/- brought out by India Post on 05.01.2017

3) India-Portugal: Joint Issue: A set of two Stamps commemorating the Dandiya and Pauliteiros Dances issued by India Post on 07.01.2017 

4) Dr. M.G. Ramachandran (or MGR) Birth Centenary : A Commeorative Postage stamp issued by India Post on 17.01.2017 

5) Nature: India: A set of six commemorative Stamps issued by India Post on 25.01.2017 

6) India Post Payments Bank (IPPB): A commemorative stamp of Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 30.01.2017 

7) Headgears of India: A set of 16 stamps issued by India Post on 10.02.2017 

8) Bicentenary of the Raising of the Poona Horse Regiment  (July 1817 - July 2017): A Commemorative 500 Paise or Rs.5/- stamp issued by India Post on 11.02.2017 

9) Centenary of Ramjas College: A Commemorative Stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 13.02.2017 

10) Ladybird Beetle: A set of four Stamps brought out by India Post on 23.02.2017 

11) Yogada Satsang Society of India Centennial Celebrations: A 00 Paise or Rs./ stamp issued by India Post on 07.03.2017

Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2016:

1)  Special India Post Cover  carried in a dedicated Hot Air Balloon flown during the II International Hot Air Balloon Festival held in Pollachi, Tamilnadu, released by Tamilnadu Circle of India Post in January 2016

2) "Vibrant India": Postage Stamps issued by India Post on this theme

3) MAHAPEX - 2016 held at Nasik from 16-18.01.16: (Part 1) Spl. Covers on Pandu Leni Caves and Smt. Kusum Dhirubhai Mehta released by Maharashtra Postal Circle on 16.01.2016 

4) MAHAPEX - 2016 held at Nashik from 16-18.01.2016: (Part 2) Spl.Covers on Kalaram temple and Nashik "Grape City & Wine Capital of India" released by Maharashtra Postal Circle on 17.01.2016 

5) MAHAPEX - 2016 held at Nashik from 16-18.01.16: (Part 3) Spl. Covers on "Nashik Dhol" and "Dr. Anand Gopalrao Joshi" released by Maharashtra postal Circle on 18.01.2016 

6) International Fleet Review - 2016 (IFR - 16) held at Vishakhapatnam from 04.02.16 to 08.02.16: Commemorative Postage stamps issued by India Post 

7) Celebrating 75 Years of setting up of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal : Commemorative Postage Stamps brought out by India Post. 

8) PUNPEX - 16 held at Chandigarh from 06 - 09.02.2016: (Part 1): Spl. Covers on "Indian Dak Runner" & "The PUNPEX-16 logo" released by Punjab Postal Circle on 06.02.2016 

9) PUNPEX - 16 held at Chandigarh from 06-09.02.2016: (Part 2): Spl. Cover on "Butterflies of Chandigarh" released by Punjab Postal Circle on 07.02.2016 

10) PUNPEX - 16  held at Chandigarh from 06-09.02.2016: (Part 3): Spl. Cover on "Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh" released by Punjab Postal Circle on 07.02.2016 

11) PUNPEX - 16 held at Chandigarh from 06-09.02.2016: (Part 4): Spl. Cover on "Migratory Birds of Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh" released on 07.02.2016 

12) "Gurudwara Shri Paonta Sahib": Spl. Cover released by HP Postal Circle, of India Post 

13) India's First International Fleet review held on 18.02.2001 at Mumbai 

14) "Jal Mahotsav" on the River Narmada from 12-21.02.2016: Spl Cover issued by the Department of Posts, India 

15) "Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv", Ujjain 22.04.2016-21.05.2016: MAPPEX-2016 Spl Cover released by Postmaster General, Indore Region, India Post on 07.02.2016 

16) Unique Handicrafts of Madhya Pradesh: MAPPEX 2016: A Special Cover issued by the Postmaster General , Indore Region, Indore, on 05.02.2016 

17) Golden Jubilee of The Statesman Vintage & Classic car Rally": Special Cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle, New Delhi on 28.02.2016 

18) Mahamaham Kumbha Mela Festival, Kumbhakonam, Tamil Nadu: February 13-22, 2016. Special Cover issued by the Postmaster General Tamilnadu Circle, Chennai, India Post. 

19) "Maharaja Agrasen ki Baoli " in New Delhi: "UTSAV 2016"- A Special cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle on 17.02.2016 

20) Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios Birth Centenary celebrations : A Special Cover issued by Delhi Postal Circle, New Delhi, India Post on 15.02.2016

21) Shri Lakshmi Narayan Temple: UTSAV 2016: A Spl Cover issued on 17.02.2016 by Delhi Postal Circle, New Delhi 

22) National Science Centre Delhi: UTSAV 2016: A Spl Cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle, New Delhi , Department of Posts, India on 16.02.2016 

23) Commemorating the Birth Centenary of Vasantrao Srinivassa Sinai Dempo: A Rs.5/- Stamp issued by  India Post on 04.03.2016 

24) 150th Anniversary of the Allahabad High Court : Commemorative Stamps & Coins issued by the Department of Posts, India & India Government Mint, Mumbai respectively 

25) National Archives of India (Part 1): 125th Anniversary Celebrations: Commemorative Stamps issued by the Department of Posts, India on 13.03.2016 

26) The Gilgit Record (Manuscripts): National Archives of India (Part 2) A 30 paise Stamp issued in 1979,  by the Department of Posts, India. 

27) "A Minor Rock Edict" of Samrat ashok found in Gujarra , Distt. Datia M.P. : A Special Cover issued by the Indore Region, MP Postal Circle, Deptt. of Posts, India

28) "Batesara Group of Temples": A Special Cover issued by Indore Region, M.P. Postal Circle, Deptt. of Posts, India 

29) "India-UN Women HeForShe Programme": Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post  

30) Fire Services of India: A Rs. 5/- Stamp issued by the department of posts, india to honour the "Fire Services of India" 

31) Govardhanram Tripathi: Commemorative Rs.5/ Stamps brought out in his honour by the Department of Posts, India. 

32) The "Everlasting Flame international Programme 2016": A Special Cover issued by Delhi Postal Circle, Department of Posts, India. 

33) "Ahimsa Ball": Commemorating the 10th Installation Ceremony of the Ball: A Special Cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle on 26.04.2016 

34) "BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave 14-16 April 2016, held at Mumbai: A Special Cover issued by the Maharashtra Postal Circle on 14.04.2016 

35) "25th Shukla Day Coin and Philately Fair" held from 22-24.04.2016 at Mumbai: A Special Cover issued by the Maharashtra Postal Circle, India Post on 22.04.2016 

36) "Indian Coast Guard Air Station Chennai Silver Jubilee": A Special Cover issued by Tamilnadu Postal Circle of India Post on 07.03.2016 

37) Swami Chidananda: A Rs.5/- Commemorative stamp issued by India Post on 21.05.2016, celebrating his Birth Centenary. 

38) "Brave Fighter Narvir Shivaji Kashid: A Special Cover issued by Maharashtra Postal Circle on 05.05.2016 

39) Tata Power: Commemorating the centenary of the establishment of The Company by India Post, by issuing Rs.5/- stamps on 10.06.16 

 40) "Surya Namaskar": The theme of second International Day of Yoga: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post on 21.06.2016

41) Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in Jharkhand: DEOPEX:2016: A Special Cover issued by the Jharkhand Postal Circle, India Post on 18.03.2016 

42) "Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar": DEOPEX-2016: A Special Cover issued on him by Jharkhand Postal Circle, India Post on 18.03.2016 

43) "Philatelic Seminar, Jaipur": A Special Cover issued by the Rajasthan Postal Circle, India Post on 28.02.2016 

44) "Shantheyanda Okkada Hockey Namme - 2016": A Spcial Cover issued by Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post on 03.05.2016 

45) The Indian Institute of Architects: Commemorating the Centenary year of the Institute by issuing a Special Cover by Maharashtra Postal Circle, India Post on 12.05.2016  

46) Indian Naval Air Squadron 300 (INAS 300): A Special Cover issued on the Induction of MiG-29Ks and de-induction of Sea Harriers in the Squadron, by the Maharashtra Postal Circle of India Post on 11.05.2016 

47) State Trading Corporation : Celebrating 60 Glorious Years: A Special Cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle, India Post on 18.05.2016 

48) Christ Church Fort Teppakullam, Tirichirappalli: 250th Anniversary Celebrations: A Special Cover issued by Tamilnadu Postal Circle, India Post on 17.05.2016 

49) "BSE" (formerly Bombay Stock Exchange): Commemorating the 140th Year of its establishment: A Rs.5/- commemorative stamp brought out by India Post on 09.07.2016 

50) "VIKAS PARV - CHHAU DANCE": A Special Cover issued by Jharkhand Postal Circle on 17.06.16 

51) 65th Plenary of the North Eastern Council held on 26-27 May 2016 at Shillong: A Special Cover brought out by the NE Postal Circle of India Post, on 03.06.2016 

52) Platinum Jubilee of the First Philatelic Bureau set up in Mumbai: A Special Cover issued by Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post on 21.06.2016 

53) Chennai Book Fair: A Special Cover issued by the Tamilnadu Postal Circle of India Post on 01.06.2016

54) Chennai Book Fair (Part II) A.K. Chettiar : One of 6 eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

55) Chennai Book Fair (Part III): T.Janakiraman: One of 6 eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

56) Chennai Book Fair (Part IV): P.V. Akilandam: One of 6 eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

57) Chennai Book Fair (Part V): D. Jayakanthan: One of 6 eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

58) Chennai Book Fair : (Part VI): Pudhumaipithan: One of Six Eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

59) Chennai Book Fair: (Part VII): Va Ramasamy: One of six eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

60) Tadoba Andhari National Park: Commemorative stamps brought out by India Post on "International Tiger Day" at Nagpur on 29.07.2016 

61) Tara Mata Temple Shimla: Famous Temples of Himachaal Pradesh Series: A Special Cover issued by HP Postal Circle of India Post on 29.04.2016 

62) Bagla Mukhi Temple, Bankhandi, Kangra: Famous Temples of Himachal Pradesh Series: A Special Cover released by the H.P. Postal Circle of India Post on 29.04.2016  

63) Chintpurni Temple , Chintpurni Una, HP: Famous temples of Himachal {radesh Sries: A Special Cover released by H.P.Postal Circle of India Post on 29.04.2016 

64) Ter-Centenary of the martyrdom of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur: A Special Cover brought out by Delhi P0stal Circle of Indiapost on 20.06.2016 

65) "Rio 2016" Summer Olympics: Commemorative Stamps and booklets issued by the Department of Posts, India on 05.08.2016

66) "Orchids": A set of 6 Commemorative postage stamps brought out by India Post on 08.08.2016  

67) Indian Metal Crafts: A set of six Stamps issued by India Post on 26.08.2016 

68) Independence Day - Tourism in India: A Rs. 25/- Commemorative Stamp issued by India Post on 15.08.2016 

69) "Kargil Diwas" - A Special Cover brought out by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post on 26.07.2016 

70) Jagadguru Shri Shivrathri Rajendra Swamy : A Commemorative Rs.5/- Stamp brought out on his Birth Centenary on 27.08.2016 

71) Lady Hardinge Medical College: Commemorating the Centenary of establishment of LHMC by issue of Rs.5/- stamps by India Post on 23.09.2016 

72) Swachh Bharat Mission: Second set of Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post on 02.10.2016

73) Induction of C-130: A commemorative stamp of 500 Paise issued by India Post on 06.10.2016 

74) Central Water and Power Research Station, (CWPRS) Pune: A commemorative Rs.5/- stamp issued by India Post commemorating the Centenary Celabrations of establishment of the CWPRS

75) Kanger Valley National Park, Jagdalpur: A Special Cover brought out by Chhattisgarh Postal Circle, India Post on 26.06.2016 

76) Jagadish Chandra Bose (Great Scientist): A Special Cover brought out by the Jharkhand Postal Circle, India Post on 15.02. 2016 

77) "Near Threatened Birds": (Series I): Stamps issued by India Post to create awareness about four Near Threatened (NT) Bird species on 17.10.2016 

78) "Varanasi City": A set of Commemorative Stamps brought out by India Post on 24.10.2016

79) National Unity Day (or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas): Salute to the Unifier of India: A Commemorative postage stamp brought out on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel by India Post on 31.10.2016 

80) 50 Years of Haryana: A Commemorative Postage stamp issued by India Post on 01.11.2016 

81) Mahseer: A Special Cover issued by the Indore Region of the Department of Posts, in coordination with the Forest Department Madhya Pradesh on 09.09.2016 

82) Third Battalion:The Garhwal Rifles: A Commemorative postage stamp issued to celebrate the Centenary of the Battalion's Raising day in 1916. Stamp issued by India Post on 19.11.2016 

83) "Picnic": The theme of Children's day 2016: Two commemorative stamps brought out by Indiapost in the denominations of 1500 Paise or Rs.15/- each on 14.11.2016 

84) Nobel Prize Winners of India: A Special Cover brought out by Rajasthan Postal Circle of India Post in co-ordination with the Philatelic Society of India and St. Xavier's School, Jaipur on 21.10.2016 

85) Chilika Lake: A Special Cover issued by the Odisha Postal Circle of India Post at the National Philatelic Exhibition on Nature and Environment - 30.09.2016 to 02.12.2016 on 30.09.2016 

86) Exotic Birds: A set of six Commemorative stamps brought out by India Post on 05.12.16 

87) Akshardham Temple and Pramukh Swami Maharaj: A set of two stamps issued by India Post on 07.12.2016 

88) AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences): A Rs. 5/- commemorative stamp issued on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee (60 years) of establishment of AIIMs on 03.12.16

89) Season's Greetings: A set of two Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post on 23.12.2016 

90) Samrat Vikramadittya: A Commemorative Rs.5/- Stamp brought out by India Post on 22.12.2016 

91) 150 Years of setting up of the first building of Hardayal Heritage Public Library in 1866: Commemorative stamp issued by India Post on 26.12.16 

92) Personality Series: Bihar: A set of 8 Commemorative stamps issued by India Post on 26.12.2016 

93) Deendayal Upadhyaya: Birth centenary commemoration (1916-2016) A Commemorative stamp of Rs.10/- issued on him by India Post on 29.12.16 

94) Legendary Singers of India: A set of 10 stamps issued by India Post on 30.12.2016 

95) State Bank of Mysore (SBM): A Special Cover issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post on 16.12.2016 

Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2014 and 2015:

1) 2014 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil - A set of four stamps issued by India Post.

2) Commemorative Stamps on "Swachh Bharat" Mission

3) Commemorative Stamps on "Project Rukmini"

4) Commemorative Stamps on "Indian Ocean & Rajenda Chola I"

5) International Day of Yoga - "Commemorative Stamps & Coins" 

6) India-France - 50 Years of Space Co-operation - Commemorative Stamps

7) Commemorative Stamps on 50 years (Golden Jubilee) of "Engineers India Limited"

8) Bicentenary of the "Old Theological Seminary" (OTS) Kottayam, Kerala

9) Commemorative stamps issued on Nabakalabera (Jagannath Temple, Puri)

10) Commemorative stamps issued on an Indian Game called "Sagol Kangjei" originated in Manipur, from which Polo was adapted all over the World  

11) Samrat Ashok - Commemorative Stamps issued on the legendary Emperor of Ancient India 

12) Women Empowerment - Commemorative Stamps

13) Baba Amte - Commemorative Stamps 

14) Did You Know Series (4): A sample of the beautiful stamps brought out by Department of Posts, India 

15) 10th World Hindi Conference held at Bhopal - Commemorative Stamps issued by Department of Posts India

16) 50th Anniversary of the 1965 Indo-Pak War: Commemorative stamps issued by Department of Posts, India. 

17) Commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Birth of Dr. B.R. Ambedker by Department of Posts, India with a stamp titled "Dr B.R. Ambedkar and the Indian Constitution" 

18) The "Charkha" or the Spinning Wheel: Commemorative stamps issued by the Department of Posts, India 

19) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam - Commemorative Stamp issued by the Department of Posts, India 

20) 50th Anniversary of the Border Security Force (BSF): Commemorative Stamp issued by the Department of Posts, India 

21) 3rd India- Africa Forum Summit at New Delhi - Commemorative Stamps issued by Department of Posts, India 

22) Commemorating the Golden Jubilee of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL): Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post.

23) Commemorating the Bicentenary of the Raising Day of the First and Third Gorkha Rifles: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post.  

24) India-Singapore Joint issue: 50 Years of Bilateral Relationship: Two Commemorative Stamps issued by India-Post. 

25) Celebrating 60 years (Golden Jubilee) of EEPC India: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post. 

26) Centenary of the setting up of the Zoological Survey of India: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post 

27) Celebrating Children's Day on November 14th - Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post. 

28) Musicians of India - Commemorating Classical Musicians of India by issue of Stamps by India Post. 

29) Sumitranandan Pant (poet and writer) : Commemorative postage stamps issued on him by India Post 

30) Golden Jubilee of the Establishment of the IDSA, New Delhi: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post 

31) 100 Years of Return of Mahatma Gandhi to India in 1915: Commemorative postage stamps issued by India Post 

32) Commemorating Alugumuthu Kone, one of the first Freedom Fighters against the British: Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post

33) Centennial of the Patna High Court of Judicature: Commoemrative Stamps issued by India Post  

34) Gaiety Theatre Complex, Shimla: A Commemorative 500 Paise Stamp issued by India Post on 20.06.2014 

35) Commemorating 150 Years of the Kuka Movement: A commemorative Stamp brought out by India Post on 24.12.2014

List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on stamps issued in 2013: 

1) Commemorative Postage stamps on the "Wild Flowers of India" issued by India Post.

2) 100 Years of Indian Cinema: 50 commemorative stamps issued by India Post. 

3) INS Vikramaditya: Celebrating the induction of the Aircraft Carrier into the Indian Navy: A Commemorative stamp issued by India Post on 04.12.2013

4) 50 Years of Nagaland: A commemorative stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 01.12.2013 

List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2012:

1) Shekhawati and Warli Paintings (Part I) - Warli Paintings - Commemorative postage stamps brought out by India Post in 2012

2) Shekhawati and Warli Paintings (Part II) - Shekhaati Paintings - Commemorative postage stamps brought out by India Post in 2012 

List of Commemorative Stamps Posts  on Stamps issued in 2011:

1) Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.100/- issued on Mahatma Gandhi on Khadi Cloth for the first time ever by India Post.

2) Commemorating 100 Years of the Establishment of the ICMR: A Commemorative stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 08.11.2011 

List of Commemorative Stamps Posts  on Stamps issued in 2010:

1) Princely States of Indore, Sirmoor, Bamra and Cochin : Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post

2) Crafts Museum, New Delhi: A set of two Commemorative stamps brought out by India Post on 21.12.2010 

3) Lalit Kala Akademi: A Rs.5/- stamp brought out by India Post on 31.12.2010 

4) C.Subramanium and the Indian Green Revolution: A Commemorative Stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 28.11.2010

5) Central Bank of India: A Commemorative stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- celebrating the Centenary of the establishment of the Bank brought out by India Post on 23.12.2010 

List of Commemorative stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2009:

1) The Silent Valley: Commemorating the Silver Jubilee (25 Years) of setting up the Silent Valley National Park by issue of a stamp on 15.11.2009 

2) Pterospernum acerifolium (or Muchkunda): A commemorative stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 06.03.2009 

3) C.Subramanium and the Indian Green Revolution: A Commemorative stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 28.11.2009 

List of Commemorative Stamps Posts issued in 2008: 

1) Centenary of the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru: Commemorative Stamps brought out by Indiapost in 2008

2) Standard Chartered Bank: Commemorating 150 Years of Banking in India: A Rs.5/- Commemorative Postage Stamp issued depicting the SCB Mumbai Heritage Building 

3) "Aldabra Giant Tortoise": A commemorative postage stamp brought out by India Post in 2008 

List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 2007:

1) 2550 years of Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post  

2) International Day of Disabled Persons (Since renamed as International Day of Persons with Disabilities): A Commemorative Stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- issued by India Post on 03.12.2007 

List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts  in 2005:

 1) Celebrating 200 years of exciting heritage of State Bank of India

List of Commemorative Stamps issued  posts in 1964:
 
1) Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose & the INA: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post on 23.01.1964

Commemorative stamps issued in 1931, 1947 and 1950:

1) Three Series of original Indian stamps which depict : Inauguration of New Delhi (1931), First Independent India postage stamps (1947) and Republic of India Inauguration (1950)

 Postage Stamps from Thailand depicting Buddhist Jataka Tales:

1) Thailand postage stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Magha Puja Day (Part I)

2) Thailand Post stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Asalha Puja Day (Part II)  

3) Thailand Post stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Visakha Puja Day (Part III)

4) Postage stamps from Thailand commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales

Other Postage stamps from Thailand:

5) "Nang Yai" (or Shadow Play Puppets"): International Letter Writing Week - 2008: Commemorative Postage Stamps issued by Thailand Post on 04.10.2008

Forever Stamps from United States Postal Service (USPS):

1) Forever Stamps: A Series of Stamps commemorating the "US Civil War 1861-1865"

2) Forever Stamps: The Hindu Festival of Lights - Diwali (2016) 

Postage Stamps from the Bailiwick of Jersey: 

1) "Man of Steel": A Superman movie. Jersey post stamps commemorating a local lad Henry William Dalgliesh who played Superman in the Movie 

Postage Stamps from Gibraltar:

1) 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta - the Universal guidepost/landmark in Liberty and Freedom: A miniature stamp sheet issued by the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau

Postage Stamps from Great Britain/UK: 

1) Celebrating the Centenary of Agatha Christie's first Crime Novel and 40th Anniversary of her passing away by issue of a set of 6 stamps by Royal Mail, UK

 2) 50 Years of Pink Floyd: Two sets of stamps - commemorating iconic Albums and Live Tours
 
Postage Stamps issued by Hongkong Post:

1) Working Dogs in Government Service: A sheetlet showing six dogs issued by Hongkong Post in June 2012

Postage Stamps issued by New Zealand Post: 

1) ICC Cricket World Cup - 2015 14 Commemorative Stamps issued with the theme "Have A Ball"

International Philately Exhibitions :

1) World Stamp Show New York 2016

2) Thailand 2016 - FIAP 32nd Asian International Stamp Exhibition 10-15 August 2016

3) PHILATAIPEI 2016: World Stamp Championship Exhibition 21.10.2016 to 26.10.2016

4) National Postal Week: 09 to 15.10.2016